Performing Arts

The Performing Arts

Wombourne High School has a strong and proud tradition of high-quality performing arts, with a history of ambitious and well-received school productions that showcase the talent, commitment and creativity of our students.

Our recent whole-school production of All Shook Up continued this tradition, bringing energy, humour and outstanding musical performance to the stage. This followed the huge success of last year’s production of Oliver!, along with previous standout performances of Chicago and West Side Story in earlier years. Each production reflects the dedication of our students both on stage and behind the scenes, and highlights the strength of our performing arts provision.

In addition to our productions, we have successfully participated in the Shakespeare Schools Festival for many years, and theatre visits are regularly organised to broaden students’ cultural experiences. Students also have access to the production and technical aspects of performance, supported by our theatre-standard facilities, enabling them to explore lighting, sound and stage design alongside performance.

Music is a valued and vibrant part of school life. Our talented musicians are given a wide range of opportunities to perform in concerts, productions and events. Students wishing to learn or continue playing an instrument can access high-quality tuition from our instrumental team, supporting both beginners and advanced performers.

We are proud of the strength of the Arts more widely at Wombourne High School. Our Art department has an excellent reputation, with the annual exhibition being a highlight of the school calendar. Students are given opportunities to visit galleries, exhibitions and local spaces to inspire their own creative work. Opportunities within the Arts continue to grow through our Trust partnerships, including workshops, collaborative performances and access to prestigious venues. For example, The Invictus Choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Symphony Hall, as well as at local venues.

We provide outstanding opportunities for all students to develop confidence, creativity and important life skills such as teamwork, communication and organisation. For those with particular talent or passion, we offer further opportunities to extend and refine their skills across music, drama and art.

As part of our commitment to ensuring every student can achieve their best, we aim to provide a fully rounded educational experience. We believe that a strong and vibrant Arts provision is essential to the culture, spirit and identity of a school, while also preparing students for future pathways and enabling them to lead fulfilling and creative lives.

We are committed to an “Arts for all” philosophy, striving for excellence in Music, Drama and Art, while also using the Arts to enrich the wider curriculum. Through creativity and expression, the performing arts play a vital role in developing confident, well-rounded young people ready for life beyond school.

Oliver 2018

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2017

Performing Arts within Invictus Education Trust

Wombourne High School is part of the Invictus Choir who have performed in venues across the UK and Germany as well as part of the BBC proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Last year our tour of Germany surpassed everyone’s expectations and was received with acclaim wherever the choir performed. The Invictus Choir has an ethos of inclusivity, but at the same time seeks to be an elite opportunity.

The Invictus Dance Company was also recently involved with a production of Rosie Kays 5 soldiers. This was a fabulous show at the Forest Arts Centre in Walsall.

Rock Bands from across the Trust are featured on a bimonthly basis at the River Rooms in Stourbridge. This provides bands with a fabulous opportunity to perform on a large professional stage.

Lastly, but by no means least, we are also running the Big Strings Project. This is led by the Head of Strings from Birmingham Music Service. The BSP provides free string tuition for all Invictus students. Students are provided with a free instrument and senior players regularly attend National Youth Orchestra training weekends and perform at several concerts, most notably at Christmas time at Dudley town hall.

Invictus Performing Arts have created an atmosphere where the arts are thriving and is ever growing!